John Adams (1) (1735–1826)

Quite possibly the best book of history I've ever read - the American Revolution, the Enlightenment, the French Revolution, shopping lists, child care instructions, treaty negotiations, rumination on religion, book reviews, art criticism, and too many more subjects to list. The complete correspondence between three of the founders (Abigail Adam's letters to and from Jefferson are included) constitutes in my humble opinion the best of history in the raw, the very stuff that still weaves it's way through our world two hundred years later. I cannot recommend this highly enough.… (meer)

The letters are lovely and a really interesting peak into the Adams' relationship, but an opportunity was missed to heighten the experience with a little editorial context. What were the secret happenings in the Continental Congress that John alluded to but couldn't spell out in so many of his letters? What was happening in the world when Abigail wrote to John that the price of molasses had skyrocketed? Presented in their nearly naked form, they will appear to some casual readers, but probably more to the casual historian.… (meer)

The first 3rd of this book, minus Abigail's notes*, is pretty dull business--because it's really just that. But, then, during Jefferson's tenure as President, it suddenly got personal and beautiful. I feel like Adams especially would have been a good friend. Which probably says more about me than him. They covered all the topics... except, directly, slavery. It would have been interesting to get their opinions. As it is, their voracious reading and writing habits exhaust me.

It's interesting that these 2 men, so involved in the 1776 business were so distanced from the Constitutional Convention. Their candid, off-hand remarks on the document in their European correspondence telling. And, as time goes on, we see Adams put forth the opinion that the constitution itself isn't a guarantor of good government. What matters is the people of the country.

John Adams is great fun. He doesn't mince words nor is he afraid to admit what he doesn't know. He's frank about his faith, his life, philosophy, and his intentions. Jefferson is hesitant, somewhat non-committal, and proper---making it impossible to forget the differences in their lives and the fact that slavery was a large, if unmentioned, part of his life.

Possibly should be read with [b:My Dearest Friend: Letters of Abigail and John Adams|436582|My Dearest Friend Letters of Abigail and John Adams|Abigail Adams|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1348447801l/436582._SX50_.jpg|425488]. To be fair, most of the rating is due to Adams(x2). Jefferson contributed 1 letter to every 6 or so of theirs.

*One cannot help loving Abigail.… (meer)